Azeez Al-Shaair, Texans Reportedly Agree to Contract Extension Ahead of 2026 NFL Season

The Houston Texans and linebacker Azeez Al-Shaair have agreed to a three-year contract extension, per Mike Garafolo of NFL Network.

The 28-year-old Al-Shaair has played seven NFL seasons, including his last two in Houston. In 2025, Al-Shaair started 16 games and amassed 103 tackles (48 solo), nine pass breakups, two interceptions, two quarterback hits, a forced fumble and a fumble recovery.

He earned his first-ever Pro Bowl appearance as a standout member of a Texans team that allowed the second-fewest points per game (17.4 PPG).

Al-Shaair previously signed a three-year, $34 million contract ($11 million signing bonus, $21.5 million in total guarantees) with the Texans in 2024 after leaving the Tennessee Titans in free agency.

Houston restructured the deal last year, per a league source to Aaron Wilson of Click 2 Houston, and that moved lowered his salary-cap figure by $6.26 million.

That deal was set to expire after the 2026 season, but now Al-Shaair will be in town through 2029.

Per ESPN's Todd Archer, the Texans and Cowboys had trade talks regarding Al-Shaair before Dallas pivoted and landed linebacker Dee Winters from the San Francisco 49ers.

Al-Shaair will stay in town now as the Texans, who have made the Divisional Round each of the past three years, look to take another step in the postseason.